Chopper not allowed to land, alleges Khurshid

Source :

Last Updated: Sun, Jan 22, 2012 16:07 hrs

Lucknow: Union Minister Salman Khurshid on Sunday accused Faizabad district administration of denying permission to land his chopper in Kumarganj area in Milkipur Assembly constituency at the behest of Mayawati government, a charge denied by local authorities.

Congress sources said the Khurshid's helicopter hovered over Kumarganj where he was scheduled to address a rally. On refusal of permission, it proceeded to Alapur in adjoining Ambedkar Nagar district where another meeting was scheduled.

After reaching Alapur Khurshid sent a message through mobile phone to people in Kumarganj meeting that at the behest of the BSP government, his chopper was denied landing permission due to which he had come to Alapur.

The district administration, however, denied the allegation.

Sub-divisional magistrate of Milkipur Amrit Lal and deputy superintendent of police S N Singh said over phone that a helipad was prepared at the site proposed by Congress leaders and senior officials, including district magistrate, were present on the spot.

They said the chopper hovered over the marked spot for sometime after which the pilot expressed inability to land.

When the pilot expressed his inability, alternative spots were suggested, but instead of landing the chopper the pilot headed towards Ambedkar Nagar, the two officers said.

Singh said that when Khurshid's chopper landed at Alapur, he was informed about the administration's permission for landing at alternative places.

The minister was scheduled to address rallies at three places in Ambedkarnagar besdies Kumarganj in Faizabad district.